The Push For STEM Education: Why It Matters (2024)
contributed by Anne David
There are millions of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) jobs all over the world, and that number is growing rapidly.
Companies are struggling to meet the demands of a changing workforce, and both students and working-age adults are trying to make a living in the middle of the transformation. Consider why STEM education is so popular in modern times and why it makes a difference.
1. To fill employment gaps
The difficulty of finding qualified workers to fill in-demand STEM positions has caused many companies to remain stagnant in their efforts to move forward. Being able to hire workers who are qualified to handle STEM duties is a serious issue. The Society for Human Resources Management reports that there were more than 3.1 million STEM job openings in 2016. These openings persist due to the lack of well-trained STEM candidates.
With so many STEM jobs available and not enough workers to fill the positions, STEM education has become a growing priority.
2.To mitigate the threat of automation
Without a doubt, many people are pursuing careers in technology to avoid the threat of automation. It’s estimated that nearly 400 million jobs all over the globe will be taken over by automation by 2030. While this sounds discouraging, automation will also create a new wave of STEM-related jobs.
What’s more, currently existing careers in tech, from certified PCI compliance QSA to DevOps engineer, will become more common alongside automation, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. STEM education continually provides pathways for the emerging technology and engineering jobs of the future.
In recent years, technology has successfully invaded every single industry. The disruption has caused both employers and workers to rethink their position in the working world, both now and in the future. Many students are pursuing careers in technology in an attempt to build job security in the years to come.
These same students may have pursued another career path in past years, but the need to find job security and earn a good living has eclipsed the need of many to follow one’s dream outside of the most popular, growing job markets of the present.
Businesses are also using more technology than ever to meet customer service demands. As a result, more software, equipment, and advanced technologies are needed in order to meet those needs. To keep up and exceed the competition, both companies and organizations are employing greater amounts of science and technology to gain an edge, and this, in turn, births a higher demand for more STEM workers.
4. Economic concerns
The Pew Research Center indicates that those who are employed in STEM-related professions earn more than those who do not. This is because STEM jobs are currently in high demand, and they will continue to be necessary as long as technology is integrated into society, and the desire for innovation and progress remains.
Many companies are also offering high-paying job opportunities when they find talented individuals who possess the education and other qualifications necessary to fill the role. For students who want to ensure that they can pay off their student loans, buy a home, or raise a family, getting an education in any STEM field may seem like a safe investment for the future.
5. To create a modern world
In a world that is fast becoming more technologically advanced, STEM education matters much more than believed 20 years ago. In order to support the new digital lifestyles that are the new normal for many, there must be enough workers to perform operations, make innovative advancements, and construct the new building blocks of society that create the modern lifestyle.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center reports that the new generation of workers must be prepared for the inevitable changes in the world of tomorrow. A STEM education can help those students to be prepared to meet the challenges that affect our global population.
The prevalence and need for STEM education are not unwarranted in an ever-changing global landscape. Automation seems to pose the greatest threat to many industries and members of the workforce that are not prepared for it. The significant level of impact that STEM has in so many areas of modern life makes it necessary for educational and training paths to follow. The demand for workers who are well trained in STEM professions will only continue to rise.
In the years to come, we can expect more educational initiatives that are driving STEM education and training to the forefront for worldwide advancement.
Understanding STEM Helps Kids Thrive in a Tech-Heavy Environment. With the rise of the technical and digital age, kids need to have a basic appreciation and knowledge of STEM. Otherwise, they could get left behind by their peers as they move into occupations. Many current and future jobs are related to STEM subjects.
STEM education goes beyond imparting knowledge; it nurtures critical thinking skills, enhances scientific literacy, and cultivates the next generation of trailblazers and problem solvers.
The focus on logical thought processes and problem-solving allows students to develop mental habits that will help them succeed in any field. STEM coursework challenges students to think critically and come up with their own solutions.
STEM teaches and trains students to engage in critical thinking, inquiry, problem solving, collaboration, and what is often referred to in engineering as design thinking. These stand out as skills that all students, workers, and Californians will need to be successful in college, career, and life.
The International Journal of STEM Education, covered by Web of Science's Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), has been identified as important to key opinion leaders, funders, and evaluators worldwide and has an Impact Factor of 6.7.
STEM programs guide you through a systematic problem-solving process, teaching you that there's often more than one right answer. You'll become adept at approaching problems from multiple perspectives and experimenting with various solutions, a skillset that transcends disciplines.
One of the main benefits of STEM education is helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in any career field. It encourages students to think creatively and independently and helps them understand and apply complex concepts and ideas.
Plant stems possess three main functions. These functions include support for the plant; providing points of attachment for leaves, flowers, fruits, and buds; transporting water, minerals, and nutrients.
STEM's development traces back to the Morrill Act of 1862, which created land grant universities to promote agricultural science. The Act later established engineering programs as well. When more land grant institutions emerged, STEM training expanded beyond education and began penetrating the workforce.
Generates high-earning potential: STEM workers earn an average of $14,000 more per year than non-STEM workers at nearly every education level. 3. Creates new jobs: The STEM workforce is projected to grow by at least 2.5 million workers by 2026. 4.
STEM fields have historically needed more diversity, with underrepresentation of specific demographic groups. By emphasizing STEM education in low-income school districts, educators can empower underrepresented groups, including girls, minority students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue STEM careers.
With high salaries, growing industries, and low barriers to entry, starting a STEM job just makes sense. Check out our current STEM job opportunities that don't require a four-year degree, or contact us to chat with a recruitment expert who can connect you with a high-paying opportunity.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) play an ever-increasing role in today's complex world, driving innovation, job opportunities and solutions to important challenges. Occupations in STEM fields are projected to grow over two times faster than the total for all occupations by 2029.
In addition to curriculum resources, a STEM classroom relies heavily on physical materials– tools, technology, and, well, stuff. Many teachers already spend a lot of their own money on classroom materials, and a STEM classroom can be an even greater burden.
The growth rate of STEM occupations has been 2X higher than non-STEM occupations. STEM contributes to 69% of the US GDP and $2.3 trillion in federal tax revenue. However, despite powering the US economy and growth in employment, there is currently a lack of diversity in STEM.
STEAM education is a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to learning that combines science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. It harnesses the natural symbiosis between these disciplines to foster creative problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources. Calculating the cost of feed and seeds, researching weather patterns and sustainable water practices, determining which crops will do best in specific climates, and solving pest or weather concerns are all areas in which professionals in this field would apply STEM concepts.
A STEM high school curriculum prepares students for the future jobs that will involve a combination of math, science, and technology. STEM students graduate in better shape to find and keep a job because they have the knowledge, experience, and realistic expectations to succeed.
STEM education seeks to take advantage of the similarities and interplay of skills and knowledge among these fields to weave together a rich and meaningful learning environment.
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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